101 Ways to Improve Customer Service: Training, Tools, Tips, and Techniques

Chapter 95. Bank on It: Peer Recognition

Leader

Create a “Days Off Bank” and use it to reward and motivate employees by allowing team members to recognize their peers who work hard. This system will build a sense of cooperation within the team because it puts recognition into the hands of coworkers. By limiting the number of days in the bank available during a set period of time, you encourage individuals to present the awards only when they are warranted.

Note

Be sure to check with your Human Resources department to verify that this procedure complies with company policy.

Action

Create a “Days Off Bank”:

1. Depending on the size of your team, create a bank of days (approximately ten to twenty-five) that will cover a one-year period.

2. Create a poster board representing the bank and place the number of days in the account. Print the names of each team member in columnar form along the side of the poster.

3. Obtain a supply of small self-stick labels that will be used to signify one “dollar” each and place them in an envelope attached to the poster.

4. Explain to team members that they can recognize the accomplishments of their colleagues by assigning them one dollar each time they feel that the colleague has performed work “above and beyond the call of duty.” The person who is assigning the award is to write a brief description of the work performed on one of the labels and place it on the poster next to the name of the person.

5. When an employee earns ten dollars, he or she can cash them in for one of ...